Anna-Jo

Somerset, UK

I learnt to sew at my mother's knee, and still own the very first sewing project I ever made: a tiny patchwork soft toy I called "Mouseshaker", for reasons now forgotten. Unfortunately I was put off dressmaking at school after a combination of some disappointing projects (MC Hammer style trousers!) and the trauma of sewing through my finger on one of the school machines. Knit and crochet were far less dangerous options. I taught myself crochet ... Read Full Bio »

I learnt to sew at my mother's knee, and still own the very first sewing project I ever made: a tiny patchwork soft toy I called "Mouseshaker", for reasons now forgotten. Unfortunately I was put off dressmaking at school after a combination of some disappointing projects (MC Hammer style trousers!) and the trauma of sewing through my finger on one of the school machines. Knit and crochet were far less dangerous options. I taught myself crochet at the tender age of 18, using a book from the 1970s and yarn I?d found in the charity shop bargain bin. One beret that turned into a tea cosy later, I abandoned the craft.
Fast forward 10 years to when I was pregnant with my daughter, and obsessed with the idea of making her an heirloom blanket. Fortunately crochet and knitting had had a revival by then, so yarn and decent pattern books were easier to come by. I learnt the hard way the importance of working gauge swatches!
Realising crochet made rather unyielding garments, I decided to teach myself knitting as well. This time I had a few tips from friends, but couldn?t get on with the way I was meant to hold the yarn. I discovered the continental method from Stitch and Bitch, which felt natural as I started with crochet. I still get funny looks from other British knitters, though. I think they?re just jealous of my funky technique.
I don?t craft as much as I used to, but am trying to make the effort to get back into it. I?m helped by the discovery of some gorgeous Stitch Diva patterns for hairpin and broomstick lace. I would put my current knitting skill level at lower intermediate, but I?m an experienced crocheter and can handle just about any pattern you want to throw at me! (Please don?t throw things at me)
I also do the odd bit of patchwork, quilting and am getting seriously into dressmaking. At the moment I'm becoming obsessed with making vintage style dresses, both 1950s glamour and Victorian steampunk. I've even made my own corset, which was great fun and surprisingly easy. It has to be said, I do love a chance to get dressed up and go out on the town, especially if there's a cabaret show involved!
Other than that, I look like a fairly normal person, but I have a secret life as a writer of homoerotic romance? Okay, not so secret now!